Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while slowing down to make a right turn, the vehicle was struck in the rear by another vehicle. The vehicle went airborne, was turned around 180 degrees and then struck again in the front of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained whiplash and several bruises and contusions and sore ribs. The vehicle was towed to the towing facility. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000. The vehicle was destroyed.
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a front end collision while driving 25 MPH. The seat belt pre-tensioner did not lock and the air bags did not deploy. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not towed to the contact's residence. A police report was filed. There was one injury that required medical attention. The contact suffered from a bruised chest, hands, shoulder pain, neck pain, and leg pain. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000. Updated 05/04/16
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 15 to 20 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a body shop. There were no injuries. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 30 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The failure occurred without warning. In addition, the driver's side seat belt failed to restrain properly and forced the driver into the steering wheel. The driver sustained severe injuries and the police and ambulance were called to the scene. The vehicle was towed to the collision center and was completely destroyed. The cause of the failure has not been determined. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 151,000.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser at 35 MPH it crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. After the crash the air bag light was blinking, and would not go off. The contact's vehicle had the same problem with the air bag alarm. The contact was able to drive vehicle to a repair shop. The repair shop stated they were unable to determine the reason the lights continued to blink, and were unable to make the repair. The vehicle currently has 148500 miles.
Dt: the consumer owns 2001 PT Cruiser. The consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision. It was impacted on the center of the driver's side and was broad sided. Upon impact, none of the frontal/side air bags deployed. Spoke to the manufacturer, and they were not be interested. The dealership has not been contacted. There were no serious injuries, but there were cuts and bruises. A police report was not available. Pictures were available, but no insurance report. The car was totaled.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 MPH the roadway was wet and the vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. When this occurred ,the air bags deployed the contact's shirt and undergarment caught on fire. The police were contacted to the scene of the accident and helped extinguish the flames. The contact suffered major burns to the stomach, hands, arms and left thumb. Updated 05/16/2006.
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact crashed the vehicle into the wall on the highway. The contact sustained second degree burns on her left forearm and a black eye due to the air bag deployment. A police report was filed and the vehicle was destroyed. The contact was hospitalized. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN and speed were unknown. The failure mileage was 150,000.
2001 PT crusier was head head on by another vehicle at a high rate of speed. $7,000.00 to PT Cruiser and airbags did not deploy. Chrysler refused to investigate complaint saying that they are not made to go off on stopped vehicles. My car was stopped at a traffice light when hit head on. Injuries resulted
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the air bag light continues to go on and off and the warning chimes continue to sound. She has taken the vehicle to Chrysler who stated that the failure was caused by the air bag module. She took the vehicle to be serviced at a local gas station and they replaced the component, however, the failure still occurs. The cost to have the air bag module replaced was $300. The contact has not heard from the mechanic since the replacement was made. She stated that the manufacturer will not inspect the vehicle because she took the vehicle to a gas station to be serviced. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 50,000 and failure mileage was 49,000.
Airbag complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 7% of the model year's 618 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 18 crashes, 1 fire and 17 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.